Despite decades of research proving their safety and effectiveness, statins remain one of the most misunderstood medications. Fear of muscle damage often discourages people from taking these cholesterol-lowering drugs, but a major new study published byTheLancet Digital Healthsuggests those concerns may be greatly exaggerated.
The study found that serious muscle complications linked to statins are extremely rare. Researchers also developed a new tool that can help doctors predict an individual's risk of severe muscle side effects, making statin treatment even more personalized and reassuring.
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Statins are among the most commonly prescribed medications for lowering LDL, or “bad" cholesterol, reducing levels by as much as 60 per cent. They play a critical role in preventing heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases - the world's leading cause of death. Yet many eligible patients never start treatment or stop taking statins shortly after beginning therapy due to concerns about side effects.
According to previous research, nearly 40 per cent of patients discontinue statins within three months, while millions who could benefit never fill their prescriptions.
The process of stiffness and pain developmet
Researchers from the United Kingdom analyzed medical records from nearly 6 million adults to estimate the risk of severe statin-related muscle disorders. The findings were reassuring:
Statins can occasionally cause muscle-related symptoms, but not all muscle pain is caused by the medication. Doctors classify muscle side effects into three categories:
Mild muscle pain or soreness without muscle damage.
Muscle weakness or injury that may affect daily activities.
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